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A tour of the flooded regions of Vernon County was an incredible eye-opener to the catastrophic damage that can be caused by a flood.
Hillsboro, La Farge, Viola and Readstown all have significant reminders of the water that poured through them during the evening of June 8. The high water marks were at amazing levels and the debris left behind was at every turn. This past weekend, many people in these communities were busy, and there were lots of open windows and fans blowing in garages and out basements.
Some homes on the south side of both La Farge and Viola will never be habitable again. The debris field from the flood just got wider and wider following Hwy. 131. One portion of the road had been completely washed out.
We thank our county, city, village and town workers, who have all been working very hard to repair roads and flood damage for the past week and a half.
Flood damage in La Farge is bad enough to make a person cringe. There are homes moved off foundations, homes that had been completely flooded...
Going down Hwy. 131, Viola is also a sight. The water had receded, but a pump was still running at the bridge southwest of the village, Sunday. Driving on Hwy. 131 and imagining Banker Park and the Horse and Colt Show grounds underwater certainly is a reminder of the acute nature of this natural disaster.
The Kickapoo River Valley between Viola and Readstown are still heavily flooded in places. There are tree stumps in the middle of fields, debris, destroyed fences... A lot of damage.
Readstown is also still flooded down by the park. All of the picnic tables visible have a brown, muddy tinge to them.
The roads throughout the region have mostly been repaired, but certainly we're in need of more "final" repairs, such as shoulder work and, in some places, new asphalt.
We've heard stories from all corners of the county of neighbors helping neighbors and even strangers helping strangers. Many people have lent people a hand and we're thankful for that. In this edition you will see the phone numbers to apply for FEMA aid. Living Faith Church in Viroqua is again FEMA headquarters. Report your damage and get the help you need.
We're lucky no one lost their lives in this area due to the flood, and we’re all hoping that we never again see flooding like we've had last week. Everyone's positive attitude toward recovery is the thing that helps us get through. Our hearts go out to those in other portions of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and elsewhere, who have suffered loss of life and damage due to recent flooding.
—Matt Johnson
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